The Chinese government is now using Donald Trump as proof that democracy doesn't work

Donald Trump isn't just a threat to American democracy -- he may also be hurting the prospects for democratic rule in the most populous nation on Earth. On Monday, China's state-owned Global Times published an editorial that casts Trump as proof of democracy's inherent dangers. The piece opens with a description of the clashes between protesters and Trump supporters in Chicago Friday night.

"Fist fights among voters who have different political orientations is quite common in developing countries during election seasons," the paper observes. "Now, a similar show is shockingly staged in the US, which boasts one of the most developed and mature democratic election systems."

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The Chinese government is now using Donald Trump as proof that democracy doesn't work

In other words: Even advanced democratic systems breed violent divisions among the people. What's more, such systems are vulnerable to takeover by an "abusively racist" and possibly fascist "clown" like Trump:

"Usually, the tempo of the evolution of US politics can be predicted, while Trump's ascent indicates all possibilities and unpredictability. He has even been called another Benito Mussolini or Adolf Hitler by some Western media. Mussolini and Hitler came to power through elections, a heavy lesson for Western democracy."

As the Washington Post notes, the editorial also contains an implicit critique of the American economic system, pinning Trump's rise on the anger of "lower class whites" in the wake of the Great Recession. While the paper acknowledges that Trump is unlikely to win the general election, it argues, "Even if Trump is a false alarm ... The US faces the prospect of an institutional failure, which might be triggered by a growing mass of real-life problems."

It may be propaganda, but it still has a point: How strong can American democracy be if it's elevating an authoritarian so brutal, he actually praised the Communist Party's crackdown in Tiananmen Square?

RELATED: Celebrities who have endorsed Trump:

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The Chinese government is now using Donald Trump as proof that democracy doesn't work

Stephen Baldwin

Baldwin, who was fired by Trump on two different seasons of "The Celebrity Apprentice," said during an interview with Don Lemon on an episode of "CNN Tonight" that Trump would make a "great" president "because he's not a politician, and he doesn't care what anybody thinks."

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Gary Busey

The actor endorsed Trump back in 2011, even after being fired from season four of "The Celebrity Apprentice," and offered his praise for the presidential hopeful again recently. "He's a great guy. He's sharp. He's fast," he told Fox411. "He can change the country after the last eight years."

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Dennis Rodman

The retired pro-basketball player tweeted: "@realDonaldTrump has been a great friend for many years. We don't need another politician, we need a businessman like Mr. Trump! Trump 2016." He was fired from season two of "The Celebrity Apprentice."

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Lou Ferrigno

When asked by TMZ for his thoughts on Trump, the actor and former bodybuilder said, "I hope Donald goes all the way." He was also fired from a season of "The Celebrity Apprentice."

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Ted Nugent

The musician wrote an article for WorldNetDaily in which he said, "[Trump] should be given the Medal of Freedom for speaking his mind in such a bold, honest, and straightforward manner."

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Tila Tequila

The model and reality star posted a video on YouTube expressing her support for Trump.

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Wayne Newton

The Las Vegas entertainer announced his support on "Fox and Friends," “I love Donald, and he would make a great president,” he said. But he also voiced his support for other hopefuls, such as Carly Fiorina, Jeb Bush, and Ben Carson.

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Willie Robertson

The businessman and star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” supported Trump at a rally in Oklahoma last year, where he was invited up on stage. He officially announced his endorsement in January.

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Jesse Ventura

Jesse Ventura

The former pro wrestler, former Minnesota governor, and actor was speaking with previous Trump staffer Roger Stone for "Off the Grid," when Ventura said, "I shocked my staff today. I came in and said, ‘You know what, as far as the Republicans are concerned, I hope Trump wins.'" Though he also added, "Now I’m not a Republican — I’m not a Democrat either — so ultimately, I’d like somebody else to win overall.”

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Terrell Owens

The retired NFL wide receiver told TMZ Sports, "This may be what the country needs and Trump... He’s a guy who won’t put up with B.S. and has what it takes to change how government is run." He appeared on the most recent season of "The Celebrity Apprentice."